When I talk about putting things off, it usually involves procrastination. I have had significant practice, and spend much of my time helping others overcome their habit. Today, however I want to share with you my thoughts and feelings about the future.
We recently needed to review plans with friends that had been in place for some time. COVID raised its ugly ahead again. We have just returned from holiday with it and are probably at low risk or re-infection; however, our friends have been in very close contact with someone who has tested positive. Much debate continued, all about risk, to us, to them, and to them becoming incapacitated during our visit.
It is just an example, but how often do we have huge debates like this. All the “what ifs”, the “should we? shouldn’t we?”. It is usually based on negative thoughts – the fear that the worst will happen.
However, it is important to weigh up ALL the risks. These are not friends from around the corner, they are 6 hours away and we have not seen them since January. We do not know when we will get the next opportunity to see them.
My brush with cancer last year grounds me. My scars remind me daily that life is short and none of us knows what is around the corner. We could say, “See you next summer” – none of us know that we will for sure, do we?
This is not about being a glass half empty person, for me it is just a stark reminder that it is as important to ask the questions “what happens if we don’t do this?” as it is “what happens if we do?”
Words & Pictures copyright Carolyn Trafford 2022
So I will leave you with this advice, yes, we have to live for the future, but also for the today. Work hard, play harder, treasure your loved ones, see them as often as you can and dance and sing like there is no tomorrow.
“Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift.
That’s why it’s called the present.”
· Bil Keane
Carolyn Trafford is a Creative Life Coach, supporting others in reaching their own goals in a creative way sine 2010. Author of “Don’t Just Dream It – Achieve It!” (A great way to kickstart those goals). This interactive book is available from her online shop: https://carolyntraffordart.ecwid.com/Dont-Just-Dream-It-Achieve-It-Book-p196854491) . She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the 20th September 2021 following her first routine screening with the NHS at 51.
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